FRIENDS OF BILL >> Colorful crowd cheers ex-president Clinton

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Published 6:00 pm, Wednesday, February 20, 2008

By Bob Campbell

Staff Writer

ODESSA - Carrying signs and sentiments as diverse as America itself, they came early and stayed late to hear former President Bill Clinton tout his wife Hillary's presidential campaign Thursday at Odessa College.

Entertained by the spirited Juanita Jacques y El Mariachi Regionales band, a demonstrative but patient assemblage heard college and political leaders before the white-haired, red-faced former chief executive made his appearance an hour and a half late at 11:25 a.m.

Cheers of "Viva, Bill Clinton!" and "Viva, Hillary Clinton!" led by 77-year-old United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta of Bakersfield, Calif., carried him into bright sunshine and onto a pickup bed on the southeast side of Jack Rodgers Fine Arts Center.

The crowd began forming at 8 a.m. in slowly lifting fog and freezing temperatures, but the morning was warming by the time OC President Greg Williams, Mayor Larry Melton, Ector County Democratic Chairman John Wilkins and Tejano Democrats President Richard Abalos warmed up the crowd as well.

OC Vocal Professor David Corman sang the National Anthem as red, white, blue and green placards bobbed, saying, "Say No to the Drama of Chelsea's Mama," "Give It Up, Obama, It's All Over," "Latinos for Hillary," "We Need McCain in '08," "Ron Paul for President" and "Hillary All the Way."

Standing with her son, who had just returned from Iraq, and waving a sign saying "Texas Loves Hillary," Eleanor Hennington of Odessa said Hillary gives the impression of sincerity and ability.

"I think she's going to follow through with whatever she says," Hennington said. "She'll do what she can for the people because she is for the people."

Abalos said he backs Clinton because she has been more solicitous to Texas than Obama.

When asked if she will win the state's March 4 primary, he said, "She's got a fair shot.

"I think she'll do better than the media expects. Her husband did so well during his presidency (1993-2000) and she has always come to Texas to attend minority conventions like the Tejano Democrats and NAACP.

"I like Barack Obama, but I don't think he has paid his dues," said Abalos. "I have never been to a convention when Barack was there."

Wilkins conceded neither candidate may garner the needed 2,025 delegates before the Democratic National Convention Aug. 25-28 in Denver, but he hopes to avoid the possible controversy of private negotiations producing a nominee.

"I hope there is not a brokered convention because it would portray the old cigar smoke filled back room to the average voter," Wilkins said. "I think both Hillary and Obama would like it decided in the public arena."

In the event of negotiated presidential and vice presidential nominees, he said, former Vice President Al Gore, former Sen. John Edwards and Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry would exert behind the scenes influence.

Wielding her handpainted "Say No to the Drama of Chelsea's Mama" sign, Midland High senior Devin Sanchez said she studied all the candidates before picking Obama.

"I like that he's fresh and younger than the others," said Sanchez. "I think he's going to bring change to America and that's what we need - a new, fresh outlook. I'd like to break the Clinton-Bush cycle."

OC freshman Adriana Tarango of Odessa said a woman president would take a different approach.

"I like what Hillary stands for," Tarango said. "Men are always more toward war, more violent. She is a strong woman and good in debates."

Clinton impresses Ruth Holmstrom of Midland as "extremely bright.

"I would root for Obama, but he's going to be a learner while she's already experienced," she said. "Anyway, I'm a woman, so what can I say?"

Attending the rally with Holmstrom and Sarah Collins, who "is for either Obama or Hillary," Midlander Janet Considine said she believes in Clinton's ability to effect change as president.

"Men have had (the presidency) for 200 years and what have they done?" Considine asked. "I doubt we'd be in a place like Iraq, for one thing. She sees the needs of the people and works for us."